A recent court case in Singapore involving a former minister convicted of accepting gifts while in office has raised concerns among members of the private sector who also hold public roles, highlighting potential grey areas in the law. The case has served as a wake-up call for those navigating the line between public service and private interests.
The law in question, Section 165 of the Penal Code, applies not only to public servants but also to individuals carrying out public duties on behalf of the government. This includes those from the private sector who take on public service appointments, creating potential complexities in understanding and adhering to the rules.
Stefanie Yuen Thio, joint managing partner of TSMP Law and a member of a public service panel, emphasized the importance of clarity in such situations. Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing further clarified in parliament that the law requires individuals to have knowingly accepted valuable items for inadequate payment, with a connection to their official functions.
Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing. Photo: Facebook